U-23 WNT Defeats Sweden 2-1 to Open Four Nations Tournament in Norway

U-23 WNTMay 27, 2015

CHICAGO (May 27, 2015) – The U.S. Under-23 Women’s National Team defeated Sweden 2-1 on goals from Kayla Mills and Cari Roccaro to win its first of three matches at the Four Nations Tournament in Norway.

The tournament, that also includes the U-23 sides from Norway and England, is being held Fredrikstad and Sarpsborg in the southeast region of the country, about 60 miles south of Oslo and close to the border with Sweden.

The USA opened the scoring in just the fifth minute after a Sweden defender tried to clear the ball from near the end line, but failed to put it out of danger. Mills collected the ball and dribbled to the top of the penalty box before playing a wall pass with Rose Lavelle. Mills dribbled past a defender and finished from about eight yards out.

The USA’s second goal came in the 29th minute off a corner kick that Sweden failed to clear. Claire Falknor fired a shot, but the ball was deflected, and Sweden tried to clear again. Mills collected the ball around the midfield and passed to Roccaro, who turned and hit a spectacular strike from about 35 yards out and over the goalkeeper.

Sweden pulled a goal back in the 53rd minute off a corner kick. U.S. goalkeeper Abby Smith came out to clear the cross, but it deflected off her gloves and the goal was credited to Elin Landstrom who had taken the corner.

The USA continues the competition against England on May 29 at Sarpsborg Stadium and finishes up the three-games-in-five-days set on May 31 against England at Fredrikstad Stadium.